Let the holiday parties and festivities begin

Gregory: There were so many sensational events this weekend that Allyson and I didn't know which ones to attend first.

Our decision was an easy one to make with the arrival of an invitation to a wine tasting hosted by Guy Campbell. Guy always has the best selections of wines and champagnes and has a real knack for knowing the tastes of the people here in the Twin Cities.

We were the first ones to arrive at The Vieux Carre and Allyson was the first one to have a glass in her hand. Maybe she brought it with her. I was distracted by the incredible smells coming from the kitchen.

Dr. Jerry Fontenot, let me taste several of the dishes that were being served and the food was delicious! The wine tasting was a success. I visited with Gail and Joe Bailey Grant while Allyson caught up (and talked football I'm sure) with Sarah Gail and Barrie Primos. Other guests enjoying the delicious wine offerings were Ben Marshall, Wendy Freeman, Steve Mintz and Jerry Fontenot.

Allyson and I both knew we didn't want to miss Tish Miller's Annual Art Tag Sale. The sale allows many of our local artists to move inventory of any current and or older pieces to make room for new exciting work.

This annual sale has historically been a great opportunity to buy original works of art by local artists at great prices. Artists offering pieces of work for sale this year were Sue Sartor, Margaret Moses, Polly Spence, Lissy Sanders Compton, Caroline Youngblood, Margaret Becton Cox, Robin Hamaker and Lacey Stinson.

The art styles ranged anywhere from the wonderfully watery colorful abstracts by Margaret Moses to the calm dreamlike landscapes of Lacey Stinson.

My dear friend Nick McKinney hosted an open house at "The Sock Monkey Lounge." Nick had just gotten back into the Twin Cities from a whirlwind buying trip. He brought back many wonderful and beautiful objects and handbags to offer to sale.

The open house was a huge success! I visited with many of my friends and lovers of antiques and objects. The handbags for sale were some of the finest I've seen. All vintage, most made with alligator, aged brass, Lucite, beading and even colorful crewels.

The Twin City Ballet Christmas Gala and 4th Annual Festival of Trees was an incredible event. Allyson and I had the best time visiting with everyone and seeing the remarkable trees designed and donated to the silent auction. I know these didn't last long!

The theme was the "Grinch." The lobby of the Jack Howard Theatre was transformed into a wintery Grinchy wonderland. The tables were filled with lime green flowers of alstromeria, bells of Ireland and roses. Sandy Dansby spray painted many different shapes and styles of clear glass vases with a great inky black color.

The contrast of the green and the black was striking and the extra-long quirky bells of Ireland made the arrangements super fun! Thurman's Food Factory catered the event and the food was spectacular.

There was one table that was filled with nothing but cakes and sweets stacked so high that would impress even little Cindy Lou Who. The coterie of happy guests included; Sandy and Tom Dansby, Robin and Mike Moore, Lisa and David Cole, Dr. and Mrs. Robert Martin, Cassie and Trent Livingston, Don Sims, Helen and Larry Brennan, Lisa and Steve North, Cindy and Scott Foust, Tashia and Dakin Hines and their daughter Taylor, Faye and Garland Meredith, Melanie Massey Groves, Kim and Doug Lawrence, Stephen Harrison and Mary Ann Barham and her daughter Emma.

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Allyson had the great honor to meet LSU coach Les Miles this week. Coach Miles and Coach Henry made a quick visit to Monroe. Allyson loves a celebrity!!

Deannie and Tom Baker took Marie Cascio in their motor home to her very first LSU game. Also, joining them was (my favorite friend) Margaret and her handsome husband Johnny Lauve. The game was LSU vs Ole Miss. Joining the party for dinner at Juban's were Katherine and Rodney, Caroline and John Cascio and Hank and Kathy Biedenharn.

The Greater Ouachita Lions Club hosted their annual Hamburger & Hot Dog Supper with all the fixings plus dessert for the residents and staff of Riverside Nursing Home on Nov. 21. What a great group.

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Remember to send us your party details and photos and family gatherings for the holidays.

Gregory Hudgins and Allyson Campbell Young are guest society columnists for The News-Star. You can share social news, tidbits and photos with them by email - allysoncampbell @yahoo.com or grh75@yahoo.com. The News-Star reserves the right to edit submissions for content or photo quality.

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Let the holiday parties and festivities begin

Gregory: There were so many sensational events this weekend that Allyson and I didn't know which ones to attend first.Our decision was an easy one to make with the arrival of an invitation to a wine